Swab applicator



June 6, 1961 s w GUCKSTON 2,987,063

SWAB APPLICATOR Original Filed April 6, 1956 FIG. I.

INVENTOR. SAMUEL W. GLICKSTON BY United States Patent.

2,987,063 SWAB APPLICATOR Samuel W. 'Glrckston, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Swab Original application Apr. 6, 1956, Ser. No. 576,553, now Patent No. 2,876,501, dated Mar. 10, 1959. Divided and this application June 30, 1958, Ser. No. 745,393

5 Claims. (Cl. 128-269) My invention relates to a new and improved swab applicator, of the type which is made of absorbent cotton and which is ordinarily used to apply a medicament to living tissue such as the eyes or nostrils. The invention includes the improved applicator, irrespective of the method and apparatus used for making the same.

It is well known to make a swab applicator which consists of a longitudinal stick or other mandrel, which has a wad or swab of soft and absorbent cotton or other materials wrapped transversely and spirally around one or both ends of the stick or mandrel. Such applicator devices and mechanism for making the same, are disclosed in US. Patents Nos. 1,652,108; 1,721,815; 1,921,604;

In making a conventional swab of absorbent cotton or other material, it is well known to bond one end of a .thin wad or strip of absorbent cotton to a stick, as by means of an aqueous adhesive. The wad is then wound spirally around the stick, in two or more abutting layers.

The end of the spirally wound wad extends beyond the end of the stick. A finishing adhesive, such as an aqueous adhesive, is then applied to the surface of the spirally wound wad. This surface, finishing adhesive penetrates all the spirally wound layers and binds them to each other. This finishing, binding adhesive is then dried or set. The resultant conventional dried tip has its original wrapped shape. Such conventional dried tip is of uniform slight density, and it is soft and easily compressed and deformed. It has little or no cushioning effect when the stick is applied under pressure.

When the applicator is applied under normal pressure, the conventional tip easily bends and flattens, so that the tissue is subjected to the longitudinal or lateral pressure of the stick.

According to this invention, I can make an initial tip in the usual manner. This initial tip is easily shaped and molded and compressed when the finishing adhesive is wet. While said fishing adhesive is wet, I revolve the initial tip in unison with the stick around the axis of the stick.

I apply shaping pressure upon said initial revolving tip, by means of a pressure-applying surface which is urged radially inwardly toward the axis of the stick, so that the tip revolves relative to said pressure-applying surface.

I thus reshape the initial tip, while said finishing adhesive is wet. Preferably, the initial tip is thus reshaped, immediately afterthe finishing adhesive has been applied and penetrated the layers of the initial tip.

I thus provide a new tip, a part of which projects beyond the end of the stick. This projecting part of the new tip has a head at its outer end, and a neck which joins said head to the tip-body which remains bonded to the stick. This neck is densified by the shaping pressure, so that, as one example, the density of the neck is twice the density of the corresponding zone of the original tip. The outer head is also densified. The adhesive of the new tip is then dried, thus setting the new tip in its new densified shape.

The projecting part of the new tip may be co-axial with the stick.

Due to the increase'in density of the new set tip, its

projecting part remains firm when said new set tip is dry or when it is Wetted. Under normal applicator pressure, the new set tip, either wet or dry, does not bend or flatten, thus providing an efiective cushion. The head of the new set tip is absorbent, so that the applicator can be .used in the usual manner.

The shape of the new head may be a ball-shape, a knob-shape or a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the new head is preferably at least equal to the diameter of the stick.

It is highly preferred to provide a ball-head of unequal density, with minimum density at the tip of the new ballhead.

This new set tip can be conveniently used for applying liquid coloring matter and for many other uses. The new tip may be impregnated with water-soluble dye and the drip tip can be immersed in water, in order to apply the dissolved dye in said tip. Since the new tip does not substantially bend or flatten under normal pressure, a fine line can be drawn.

It is highly preferred to shape the projecting end part of the original tip by intermittent pressure of said pressure-applying surface.

Without limitation thereto, I prefer to make a ballhead, and to provide the outer end of the tip-body with a convex shape, so that the neck is groove-shaped.

The new tip preferably has a circular cross-section in each transverse plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the stick.

For this purpose, the initial tip has a conical shape, with its widest end at the outer end of said initial tip.

The invention is further disclosed in the annexed drawings and in the following description.

FIG. 1 is an elevation, partially in vertical section, which shows the improved tip at each end of a cylindrical stick.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rigid former or shaper, which is used to apply the reshaping or shaping force to the original tip, while said original tip is in wet, moldable and compressible condition.

FIG. 3 is an elevation, partially in vertical section, which shows a completely formed initial or preliminary tip, whose longitudinal projection beyond the end of the longitudinal stick is subsequently reshaped to provide the improved shape of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a vertical section,partially in elevation, which shows the former in active reshaping or shaping position.

FIG. 5 is an end elevation which diagrammatically illustrates the mechanism for twirling or revolving the stick, and the mechanism for vertically reciprocating the formers from a lower idle position below the spirally wound pieces or wads of absorbent cotton, and to an upper active shaping position in which the formers contact with the spirally wound pieces or wads of absorbent cotton and shape them to the form of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 1 is to scale. In one illustrative commercial device, the length of the stick 2 is substantially 2.875 inches; and its diameter is substantially one-twelfth of an inch. In said illustrative commercial device, the thickest part of swab-body 3a of the new tip T has a diameter of substantially three-sixteenths of an inch. At the narrowest part of the groove 10a of tip T of said illustrative commercial device, the diameter of tip T is one-eighth of an inch to five thirty-seconds of an inch. In said illustrative commercial device, the axial length of tip T beyond the adjacent tip of stick 2 is substantially 0.2 inch to 0.3 inch.

The scale of FIG. 1 is close to twice the scale of said illustrative commercial device.

FIG. 3 is to the same scale as FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the initial spirally wound tip 3, which isrnade asabove described. This initial tip B-isofcbni- .ca.l shape, with a convex end 4.

The initial or original tip 3 is shaped to form the improved tip T, while the binder of said original tip 3 is still wet and unset. Preferably, theinitial or original tip .3 is thus reshaped, immediately after said original tip 3 has been formed. The reshaped tip Tis then dried, or its adhesive is otherwise set, thus retaining the set tip T in its densified shape of FIG. 1.

The improved tip T has a circular cross-section in each transverse plane which is perpendicular to the axis of :stick 2.

The initial tip 3 and the improved tip Tareof the same length, as can be readily seen by comparing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

The improved, set tip T is inwardly densified.

The densification of tip T relative to the slight density of the initial tip 3, can be ascertained by comparing the transverse or vertical dimensions of tip'T in FIG. 1, with corresponding transverse dimensions in the same respective transverse zone of the initial tip 31in FIG. 3.

Thus, the reference numerals a and 10b define the same vertical zones in tip T and tip 3. The density of tip T at the transverse or vertical zone of 16a is substantially twice its density in zone 10b.

The point D defines the maximum diameter of ballhead B.

This point D corresponds to point DD of FIG. 3.

The density of ball-head B in the vertical zoneof point D is about 130% of its density at point DD.

The points 10c and like define corresponding vertical ,zones. It is clear that ball-head B is only slightly densified in the vertical zone of point 100.

.IIfiHCB the densification at the tip of ball-head B is slight. Said densification increases towards the maximum .vertical diameter of ball-head B, and further increases towards the groove-neck 10a.

Since absorbent cotton cannot be shaped with absolute percision in forming tip T, the shape shown in FIG. 1 is approximate.

However, by providing a neck .or groove 10a of maximum density, close to the respective end of stick 2, the dry or wet head B remains substantially axially alined with the stick 2 and acts as an elfective cushion in the dry and wet condition of tip T, under normal applicator pressure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the diameter of ball-head B is greater than the diameter-of the cylindrical stick .2, and the longitudinal distance between the groove-junction 10a and the respective end of stick 2 is less than the diameter of ball-head B. Due to this short distance between ballhead B and'the respective endof stick .2, any bending movement of head B is limited. Also, ;the.rounded.con-

vex end of the tip-body 3alimits any binding movement of head B relative to stick 2.

-FIG. 2 shows a rigid former F, which has aplanar bottom or outer face 11. For convenience, it is assumed that this bottom, outer face 11 is in the horizontal position, and that the longitudinal axis of stick 2 is also horizontal when the former F is applied. When said former F is used, the plane of said bottom, outerface 11 :is horizontal and parallel to the longitudinal, horizontal axis of stick 2.

The inner face of former F has a recess "8, whose smooth wall is of part-cylindrical shape in this embodirnent. Said part-cylindrical recess 8 has parallel and lateral edges 9-and 10. These edges aresufficiently blunt to prevent tearing or cutting the absorbent cotton C. When said former F is applied to the wet, initial tip 3, said lateral edges 9 and 10 are perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of stick 2. The inner faceof 'former F also has an end-recess '12. This has a smooth face whoseblunt "lateral edge 14 is parallel to.said.lateral edges 9.and 10. The representationof the former F infFIG. 4Iis toscale. As shown .inFIG. 4, the bluntllateral'edge 1'0 i's-below or transversely further away from the longitudinal axis of stick 2 than the lateral blunt edge 9. Also, the smooth face-wall o f recess 12has a part-cylindrical shape adiacent lateral edge 10, and :the other outer part of said smooth face-wall of recess 12 has a planar shape, which is inclined towards the longitudinal axis of stick 2. When the former F is in active position in contact with the unset tip 3, said fronier F may contact with said initial wet and moldable tip '3 alongthe entire face-wall of recess 12, or only adjacent the part-cylindrical portion of said face-wall of recess 12. The plane of wall 11 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of stick 2 in FIG. 4.

For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that a single, preliminary completely formed, wet and unset tip 3 has been made at each end of stick 2, and that each longitudinally projecting part of said initial unset tip 3 is to be reshaped to form the improved tip or swab T.

The preferred method of doing this is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. p

The usual tndrling-friction'ro'lls R and "Ra are fixed to respective horizontal and parallel shafts 18 and 19, to which drivegears G and G are respectively fixed. These gears G and G mesh with an intermediate gear, so that the shafts 18 and 19 and the'rolls R and Ra are revolved in unison in the samedirection, 'as illustrated by the clockwise arrows in FIG. 6. These rolls R and Ra are revolved at the same angular velocity, as at revolutions per minute.

The horizontal stick '2 is located in the usual manner between the friction rolls R and Ra, which frictionally revolve the stick 2 about the horizontal axis in the counterclockwise direction, as illustrated by arrow 15 in FIG. 4.

The :two identical formers F are fixed to a common base 7 by screws -6, whose heads 6a fit in the enlarged frusto-conical ends o'f bore's 5 of former F.

The base 7 is guided for vertical sliding movementin the frame of themachine.

Cam-shaft 17 is horizontal and parallel -to shafts 18 and 19.

Said shaft 17 has a gear GA, which can mesh directly with gear G, orwith an intermediate connecting gear. The direction of revolution of cam-shaft 17 is not important. Cams or eccentrics 16 are fixed to cam-shaft 17. If cams are used, they may have any shape, with one or more high parts. The vertically slidable base 7 is downwardly biased by gravity or a spring to always contact with the cams or eccentrics 16. In this illustration, the members 16 are eccentrics, but they may be cams of any shape.

The shafts 18, 19, 17 and the friction rolls R and Ra may be turned in unison at the same angular-speed, as at 120 revolutions per minute, thus revolving the stick 2 and its preliminary swabs 3 in unison with rolls R and Ra and the cams or eccentrics 16 at the said rate of 120 revolutions per minute.

The shaft 17 and its cams or eccentrics 16 may be turned at greater or less angular velocity than shafts 18 and 19. A clutch may be provided to connect camshaft 17 at any selected time to the drive mechanism, which is conventionally illustrated.

When base 17 is in its inactive bottom position, the two formers F are below and out of contact with the masses of cotton on stick 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates the top active position of base 7, to which it is vertically shifted by the cams or eccentrics 16. In said top position and below said top position, the formers F contact with and exert shaping pressure on the masses of cotton on stick 2.

Preferably, the shaft 17 'is provided with eccentrics 16, and said eccentrics 16 are revolved in unison with rolls R and Ra at the same angular velocity, and the eccentrics 16 are shaped so that the formers F contact with the initial, wet, unset tips 3 during about five-sixths of each revolution of said tips T.

The rigid formers F may be made of metal, and their recesses 8 and 12 may have very smooth and polished faces, so that there is minimum friction between said faces and the unset tip 3. Hence, although the tips 3 revolve relative to the faces of recesses 8 and 12, there is low tangential friction against said smooth faces. Also, the adhesive of initial tip 3 may be allowed to dry or set partially prior to applying the formers F, so that the desired shaping action is secured without objectionably distorting tip 3.

When the formers F are moved upwardly to contact with the revolving tips 3, the initial contact is at the smooth and blunt edge 10, which densifies the swab 3 by a spinning action, during which the tip 3 revolves freely relative to said smooth, straight blunt edge 10.

As the upward movement of the formers F is continued, the same spinning and densifying action is produced by the smooth surfaces of recesses 8 and 12, while the tips 3 continue to revolve in unison with stick 2.

The edges 9 and 14 need not contact with the revolving tips 3.

Since the projecting part of each tip 3 is short, actual commercial operation has shown that the projecting parts of tips 3 remain axially alined with stick 2 during the operation of the formers F.

Hence it is not necessary to apply any downward pressure on the projections of tips 3 during the operation of formers F. The use of said downward pressure is optional.

FIG. 4 shows the tip position of formers F, in which edge 9 is spaced outwardly from the tip of ball-head B and edge 14 is spaced inwardly from the cotton tip, and edge 14 is below the revolving stick 2, whose direction of revolution is indicated by arrow 15.

The stick 2 can be replaced by any type of support. It may be a wire. Hence, when I refer to a stick 2 in a claim, I refer to any other support.

For convenience in defining the invention in the claims, it is assumed that the stick 2 is twirled around a horizontal axis. The invention applies if the stick or other support has one or two tips. Hence, when I refer to a single tip, I include an applicator which has two tips.

I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, but numerous changes, omissions, additions and substitutions can be made without departing from its scope.

This application is a division of my application Serial No. 576,553, filed in the United States Patent Ofiice on April 6, 1956 and now Patent 2,876,501.

Iclaim:

1. An applicator comprising a supporting stick, and an absorbent tip at one end of said stick of a form-retaining homogeneous mass of unspun cotton, said cotton tip compnising a body portion circumposed about and bonded to said stick, a relatively highly densified intermediate portion extending from said body portion longitudinally outward of and beyond said one stick end, and a less densified end portion extending from said intermediate portion longitudinally outward of said stick.

2. An applicator according to claim 1, said intermediate and end portions being in axial alignment with said stick.

3. An applicator according to claim 2, said intermediate portion being of reduced transverse dimension relative to said body and end portions.

4. An applicator comprising a supporting stick, and an absorbent tip at one end of said stick of a form-retaining homogeneous mass of unspun cotton, said cotton tip comprising a body portion symmetrically surrounding and bonded to said stick, a reduced intermediate portion of relatively high density extending from said body portion axially and beyond the end of said stick, and an enlarged less densified end portion extending outward from said intermediate portion axially of said stick.

5. An applicator according to claim 4, said end portion having an externally configured generally spherical surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,309,201 Hollister July 8, 1919 1,996,897 Blinn Apr. 9, 1935 2,006,539 Deford July 2, 1935 2,261,058 Forbis Oct. 28, 1941 

